On Account of Navratri, the elephant ride will not be permitted at Amber Fort in Jaipur from 28th September to 08th October 2019.

Navratri Sthapna marks the beginning of festivities in almost all the states of India. While some travel buffs see this season as the season to travel to different parts of the world.

If you are traveling to Rajasthan’s capital city Jaipur in the upcoming week and have elephant ride and night visit to Amer, then you need to skip that from the list as on the occasion of Navratri, the elephant rides and night tourism will remain closed from 28th September to 8th November, 2019 at Amer Fort. These facilities will remain closed owing to the security of tourists and arrangements of Navratra Mela at the Shila mata Mandir located at Jaleb Chowk in Amer Fort.

However, Jeeps and cars will be allowed to go up to the fort. Alternatively, an Elephant ride can be provided at the elephant village. Tourists can indulge in other elephant activities like painting and feeding the elephants and interaction with the mahout to learn about their routine.

Did you know the Fanciest places perfect for your next getaway are just 6 hr drive away? Yes, we are talking about – the blue city of Jodhpur.

Jodhpur is a beautiful city still rooted in tradition. The city with exotic blue houses reveres the erstwhile royal family of Jodhpur even today. The vibrancy and hustle-bustle of the city have its charm. That’s the reason the city is frequently visited by national and international travellers.

So, this weekend relax and rejuvenate and explore Jodhpur like never before.

Jaipur-Jodhpur Highway

Well, it’s not just about the destination even the road journey from Jaipur-Jodhpur is so exciting, an ultimate drive for travel lovers. The entire run offers spectacular views. You’ll be mesmerized by the changing landscape before your eyes at every turn.

On the way to Jodhpur

So, when the trip is so beautiful, take time to stay only at the best places that we have discreetly chosen for you-

Ajit Bhawan– India’s First Heritage Hotel– where breathtaking decor, extensive facilities and utmost comfort would fit in so perfectly with your idea of a dream vacation that you may hate to leave even when the vacations are over. So holiday like a maharaja at India’s first heritage hotel: the palatial Ajit Bhawan.

Before being reimagined as India’s first heritage hotel, this iconic building was once home to the former Maharaja’s younger brother, Major General Maharaj Dhiraj Sir Ajit Singh Ji. The Resort exudes royalty from its every nook and corner.

Rooms have been given an old rustic outlook with modern amenities. A guest can feel the essence of the regal era. If the walls at the Ajit Bhawan could talk, they’d have plenty of stories to tell about the aristocrats that used to call this historic property home. Combining heritage with class, this elegant property offers you all the luxuries of a royal holiday within easy reach of all of the city’s attractions.

And you never know, if you get a chance to meet the renowned fashion designer Raghvendra Rathore or his elder brother Maharaj Suryaveer Singh ji. Don’t be surprised the place belongs to them only.

Address- Ajit Bhawan, Near Circuit House, National Highway 65,

Ajit Colony Jodhpur City, Rajasthan, India

Website-http://www.ajitbhawan.com/

On The Rocks- Probably first standalone restaurants in Jodhpur, that introduced the concept of fine dining. On The Rocks is not just a restaurant or a bar, rather it’s a place that provides a variety of ambiences to suit different tastes.

There are five completely different setups here and we will take you through each of them. Dine at a wonderful open-air restaurant or choose a superbly designed indoor eatery. On The Rocks is ready to leave you mesmerized with its amazing ambience, delicious food from Indian, Pan Asian to Continental Dishes & service with a local touch. You must experience this little world to holiday in style! You will love the Tandoori and Mughlai food offered here. The exclusivity of On The Rocks makes it a must-visit place when you are in Jodhpur.

Address

OnTheRocks

Near Circuit House, Ajit Colony

Website-www.ontherocksjodhpur.com

Khaas Bagh- A Gem in jodhpur’s crown. ‘Khaas Bagh’ is a connoisseur’s paradise in every sense of the word.

One can experience the scenic wonders, seated and feasting in the Vintage Car. ‘Khaas Bagh’, this translated means ‘exceptional garden’, stands true to its name. Built-in the early 1900s in an Indo-Islamic-Colonial architectural style, the stunning main building is complemented by a stable-full of classic motorcars, boutiques, restaurants and a well-stocked bar.

Be it for lunch, dinner or even a ‘sundowner’, do drop by & indulge in an unforgettable experience of royal grandeur that celebrates the finer things in life, because here, ‘the piece de resistance’ is the experience itself!!

Website-https://www.khaasbagh.com/

Wait it’s not over yet..

Pal Haveli- If you are keen into history, you must witness the grandeur of the only living haveli among the 700 Havelis of Jodhpur- Pal Haveli

With a view of the famous Clock Tower

The Haveli rooms are exquisitely enriched with treasured, antiquated furniture. You’ll experience the most indulgent moments where luxury is met with warm hospitality.

One of the best experience is dining at its rooftop Indique restaurant. With a captivating view of the majestic Mehrangarh in the backdrop, and 360-degree view of other tourist attractions like Umaid Bhawan, Jaswant Thada, Clock Tower and Gulab Sagar from the terrace, Indique, is an open museum to witness the architectural wonders from such close corners. The imposing open-air restaurant offers a truly romantic setting for a private candlelit dinner. A spectacular view of the skylights renders a sumptuous gastronomical experience under the moon.

Indique Restaurant- Pal Haveli, Jodhpur

Address

Pal Haveli, Gulab Sagar,Near Clock Tower,Jodhpur

Pal GarhResort– Just 20 min away in the of outskirts of Jodhpur, find this beautiful destination untouched-Pal Garh. The place garners pleasure and peace of mind for the travellers. With a laid-back yet beautifully spirited surrounding Pal Garh is a splendid retreat.

Relax by the Open to Sky pool or in their beautiful done heritage rooms no doubt Pal Garh is a great escape.

Address

Pal Village, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Website-https://www.palgarh.com/

Well, let’s take a drive for 2 more hours and reach somewhere which is still unexplored

Rawla Narlai-A Heritage Resort- A comfortable 2 hrs ride from both—‘Rawla Narlai’ makes for a most charming destination to stop & inhale the magic of rural Rajasthan while you get spoilt with their white-gloved hospitality.

Rawla Narlai, which was once favourite hunting lodge to the royal family of Jodhpur has been meticulously and tastefully restored and converted to the finest heritage boutique hotel. An abundance of wildlife made this area a popular haunt for a favourite royal indulgence, ‘shikar’ (hunting) & the ‘Rawla’ provided the perfect abode to set up camp during their sojourns.

Step Well Dining at Narlai

Go for a countryside safari, or have tea by the lake, climb up to elephant hill or go for a leopard sighting Narlai has plenty of experiences to indulge. Experiencing Mystical stepwell dinner is something no place can even match to.

Address

Village Narlai, Rajasthan, India

Website-http://www.rawlanarlai.com/

Wait no more and plan a trip and make it an insta-worthy getaway with your loved ones 🙂 There will be ample moments to capture on your trip to this part of Rajasthan.

Owing to successful runs of four packages of special tourist trains last year in 2018, on Ramayana Circuit, covering places associated with Lord Rama as mentioned in the famous Indian epic Ramayana, Indian Railways is again re-launching two tour packages on this circuit this year in November, 2019. The two tourist trains will be run by Indian Railways PSU – Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation Ltd(IRCTC). These packages are part of Bharat Darshan scheme of IRCTC.

Image courtesy: Financial Express

The first such train by the name “Shri Ramayana Yatra” is scheduled to depart from Jaipur (Rajasthan) via Delhi on 3rd November 2019. The package also includes the option of visiting Ramayana related places in Sri Lanka for a limited number of seats.

The tour, which is starting on 03rd November, 2019 which will be a 16 Nights -17 Days tour, tourists will be visiting the tourist places associated with Lord Ram also known as “Ramayana Circuit of India”. Major places covered in this journey are Ram Janmbhoomi and Hanuman Garhi at Ayodhya, Bharat Mandir at Nandigram, Sita Mata Mandir at Sitamarhi (Bihar), and Janakpur (Nepal), Tulsi Manas Mandir and Sankat Mochan Mandir at Varanasi, Sita Samahit Sthal at Sitamarhi (UP), Triveni Sangam , Hanuman Mandir and Bharadwaj Ashram at Prayag, Shringi Rishi Mandir at Shringverpur, Ramghat and Sati Anusuiya Mandir at Chitrakoot, Panchvati at Nasik, Anjanadri Hill and Hanuman Janm Sthal at Hampi & Jyotirlinga Shiva Mandir at Rameshwaram.

Fare, facilities: Tourists will be offered vegetarian meals, accommodation and wash and change facilities in dharmashalas. All transfers & sight-seeing arrangements at tourist places will be by Non AC buses. A dedicated tour manager of IRCTC will be traveling with the tourists during the entire tour.

The total capacity of the train will be 800 Seats. Per person fare for the trip from Jaipur in Shri Ramayana Yatra, Tourist Train is Rs. Rs.16065 for the Indian Part of this tour covered by train.

The term Friendly is not new to the netizens of Rajasthan’s capital city- Jaipur. Pink City lives up to this day and night. But what a proud moment as Jaipur makes it to the list of ‘50 Friendliest Cities of the World’

Jaipur has been ranked 35th in a list that brought out the 50 friendliest cities in the world. The survey has been conducted with a social audience of 1.5 million people. The international survey cites that it’s the only Indian city to have made it to the list, with a “young and vibrant population”. It’s also “a student-friendly city” and is “popular on the tourist trail.”It also said that the tourism industry here is strong, with residents making the country proud with their attitude towards visitors.

Well, we know the true meaning of Athithi Devo Bhava.

From how easy the city is to navigate or strangers helping you find your way when that pesky roaming data doesn’t work to making new best friends in a local bar, Jaipur the only city of India made you feel ‘the most welcome’.

The eighteenth-century Chitashala of Bundi is nothing lesser than a mesmerizing result of art and creative imagination at one place all together. Numerous tourists from across the world come to come to Bundi to see the miniature paintings of the world-famous school of Bundi paintings.

The mesmerizing miniature paintings of Chitrashala are the most striking reminiscent of the rare art. The walls, ceiling of Chitrashala are completely covered with paintings of the Bundi school which are still in very good condition. These splendid paintings in the Chitrashala are par excellence and can be compared with probably the best anywhere in the world.

Chitrashala is situated within Taragarh Palace, for which the management of the palace is charging an entry fee of Rs. 500/- Chitrashala, however, falls in the list of monuments protected by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and as per the norms, visiting such monuments cannot be charged or restricted between sunrise and sunset.

On our tour of Rajasthan, when we were traveling different places and exploring hidden gems of Rajasthan for the second edition of our coffee table book, Soul of Rajasthan, it was the paintings of Chitrashala that caught our fancy the most. Awestruck by its intricacy we decided to make Chitrashala’s photograph as Soul of Rajasthan’s cover picture.

Depriving the tourists of cherishing these beautiful miniature paintings by charging a fee would not justify the purpose of opening the art palace and injustice towards the connoisseurs of the rare art.

A vibrant splash of colours, tremendous fanfare, and intriguing rituals, Teej festival in Jaipur is the time of year when the city brims with colours and fanfare. While peacocks celebrate monsoons with dancing in the rain, Womenfolk in Jaipur marks the blushing season by singing folk songs and swaying on a tree swing.

One can never find any better way to experience the colourful culture of fascinating Pink City than now! With the augment of August month accompanied by showers; Jaipur is brimming with the spirit of ecstasy and Teej festivities.

Sawan Teej festival was celebrated on 3rd and 4th August 2019. Teej
Festival though is fêted all over the state but celebrated at its colorful best in Jaipur. Jaipurites welcomed the advent of monsoon through Teej celebrations, which is also dedicated to Goddess Parvati and commemorates the day when she was united with Lord Shiva after a penance of a hundred years.

A spellbinding procession of Goddess Parvati, followed by Palanquins, chariots, dancers and a band took place magnificently through the Old City of Jaipur for two days.

A moment of honour for all the Jaipurites as the Pink City, Jaipur has been inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Replete with history, the city of royals symbolizes the pinnacle of Rajasthani cultural excellence and magnificent art in architecture, forts, palaces, and monuments. It is a matter of great pride for Rajasthan!